Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Method
This test measures your thyroid-stimulating hormone level, a key hormone that regulates your thyroid function.
["TSH helps your doctor check if your thyroid is working properly."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47950-1
- Short code
- TSH 1h p LRH IV SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- TSH 1h p LRH IV SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.4
- Ref high
- 4
- Critical range
- 0.1 N/A – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84443
- SNOMED
- 301343003
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by your pituitary gland and signals your thyroid to produce thyroid hormones (like thyroxine, or T4). Your body uses TSH to maintain normal hormone levels. This test measures the amount of TSH in your blood to assess thyroid function.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or unexplained issues with metabolism. It’s also used to monitor thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, or to check for thyroid problems during pregnancy.
How Is This Test Done?
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using HPLC to measure TSH levels accurately.
What Are Common Results and Next Steps?
Results may indicate low or high TSH levels, which can signal whether your thyroid is overactive or underactive. Your doctor will interpret the results in relation to your symptoms and other tests.
Reference range
Adult: 0.4-4.0 mIU/LN/A
Take your thyroid medication after the blood draw if applicable. No fasting required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a critical marker for thyroid health. Low TSH can suggest hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), while high TSH often points to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). It’s also useful for diagnosing thyroid nodules, pituitary disorders, or thyroid cancer. Regular monitoring with TSH helps manage long-term thyroid conditions.
Short name
TSH HPLC
Frequently asked questions
Why was this test ordered for me?
What do my TSH results mean?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy